| Q: What is propane? A: Propane, or liquefied petroleum gas (LP-gas), is one of the nation's most versatile sources of energy and supplies 3 to 4 percent of our total energy. Propane is an approved, alternative clean fuel listed in the 1990 Clean Air Act as well as the National Energy Policy Act of 1992. Approximately 90 percent of the United States propane supply is produced domestically. Seventy percent of the remaining supply is imported from Canada and Mexico. Propane can be either liquid or a gas. At normal atmospheric pressure and temperature, it is a non-toxic, colorless and odorless gas. Just like natural gas, an identifying odor is added so it can be readily detected. Under moderate pressure, propane becomes a liquid that vaporizes into a clean-burning gas when released from its storage container. Propane is 270 times more compact as liquid than a gas, making it economical to store and transport as a liquid. Propane is called a fossil fuel because it is composed of the remains of plants and animals that inhabited the Earth millions of years ago. Q: What do I do if I smell a leak? A: A chemical odorant has been added to give a distinct smell to the propane. The purpose of the odorant is to help people detect the presence of propane. It is important that members of the household are able to distinguish the smell of odorized propane. Under certain conditions, a person may be prevented from smelling the odorant such as: - Colds, allergies, congestion or other similar medical conditions
- Use of tobacco, alcohol and/or drugs
- Olfactory fatigue from being exposed to the odorant for a period of time
- Odor masking where strong odors can overpower the smell of the odorant
- Leaking gas passing through soil may reduce the smell of the odorant
- The odorant in the propane may not awaken a sleeping person.
If you think you smell a leak: - Do get everyone out of the home and away from nearby areas.
- Do not attempt to find the leak.
- Do not attempt to repair your appliance or light your pilot light.
- Do not turn on or off light switches inside the home.
- Do not light matches anywhere inside or near the home.
- Do attempt to shut off the valves at the tank, if it is safe to do so.
- Do call us for help from a telephone away from the home and nearby area.
Q: What are the properties and characteristics of Propane? A: In its natural state, propane is an odorless and colorless gas. A chemical odorant has been added to propane to give it a distinct smell. Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure in tanks and cylinders. In most residential applications, propane is used as a vapor. If propane comes in contact with your skin, it can result in frost burns. Concentrations of propane may cause flash fires or explosions. Propane vapor is heavier than air, and it may collect initially at floor levels or in other low areas before it begins to dissipate; therefore, to check for the presence of propane, carefully smell all over a room, especially in low spots. Even a slight gas odor may signal a serious propane gas leak, and you should take immediate action if you smell gas or suspect a leak. Consult us for detailed information about using propane safely. Q: What are the advantages of Propane? A: There are six very good reasons why you should consider propane for your home energy needs: - Propane has a wide variety of uses: heating, water heating, cooking, clothes drying, swimming pool water heating, hot tub and sauna heating and emergency generators. Propane is also used to fuel cars and trucks.
- Propane is a clean-burning, environmentally-friendly fuel that can be stored safely in residential and commercial above ground and underground tanks.
- Propane heating equipment is designed to operate efficiently. Some equipment can be as high as 96 percent efficient. That means for every heating dollar you spend, you get 96 cents worth of heat.
- Propane heats water at one-half the cost of electricity.
- Propane heating and water heating equipment can be installed with special direct venting systems which do not need a chimney. This will save you money on retrofitting and unnecessary construction.
- Unlike competitive fuels, most of the propane used in the United States comes from North American sources.
Q: Should I purchase a gas detector or carbon monoxide detector? A: Propane gas detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are available as an extra measure to detect leaks. The detectors are only an aid and are not intended to reduce or eliminate proper safety procedures when a person smells the odor of gas, even when the alarm on the gas detector has not been activated. It is extremely important to follow manufacturers' instructions when installing a detector. When selecting a gas detector and a carbon monoxide detector, you should choose only detectors that are listed with the Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
Q: How do I maintain my propane system? A: The propane system at your home or business should be installed, maintained and repaired only by qualified personnel. Call a qualified service technician to light or re-light pilot lights on your appliances. Do not bleed gas lines into enclosed areas. Do not tamper with gas controls on your appliances. Do not use appliances that have been flooded or have become wet, since the controls can be damaged or become rusty and malfunction, causing the safety feature built into the controls to permit a dangerous leak of propane. Do have wet or flooded appliances and controls serviced immediately. Do not let your propane system run out of propane. If it happens, turn off the gas valve on the tank or cylinder and call us. Do have your propane system and all appliances periodically checked by a qualified service technician for proper operation and safety.
Q: Do you sell retail or wholesale? A: Johnson Propane Heating & Cooling sells propane supplies to both individuals and businesses for resale. Q: Can I depend upon Johnson Propane Heating & Cooling even if I am new to propane energy? A: Yes! Our qualified employees would be happy to assist you and provide all the information and supplies that you would need. Q: Where do I find additional information regarding propane energy? A: Johnson Propane Heating & Cooling is a proud member of the Iowa Propane Gas Association. Additional information can be found at the follow useful websites:
If you have any other questions, please contact our Customer Service department. One of our service representatives would be more than happy to help you.
| 
